A sponsor must:
- be 17 years of age or over
- be in New Zealand
- be a New Zealand or Australian citizen or the holder of a current residence permit that is not subject to requirements under section 18A of the Immigration Act 1987
- have been a New Zealand or Australian citizen and/or the holder of a Residence Permit or a returning resident’s visa for at least three years immediately before the date their registration is received by the New Zealand Immigration Service
- in each of the three 12 month portions within that three-year period, have spent a total of 184 days or more in New Zealand
- meet the minimum income requirement (unless they obtained residence in New Zealand as a refugee, or they are aged 65 years or older).
A sponsor must undertake to ensure that financial support and accommodation is provided to you, if necessary, for at least your first 24 months as a resident in New Zealand. Sponsors who gained residence in New Zealand on the basis of their status as refugees are only obliged to accommodate you for the first 24 months of your residence (if necessary).
A sponsor aged 17 to 24 must satisfy us that they are able to meet the undertakings given on the sponsorship form.